Canon C500 Mark II - Test Footage & Hands-on

[@theseventh2609]

I watched RED Gemini 5K footages just after watching this piece (which looks like it was actually shot on a EOS R-video-ish-like sensor) . I want to believe that the C500II is THE GAME but there’s just something special about RED footages. Hopefully future tests will prove that Canon has done a miracle with this one. The main reasons for me to buy the C500II over RED are : - the autofocus (I own mostly Canon EF lenses) - the reliabilty (some RED cameras are known to shut off in the middle of a shoot) - ergonomics (+ XLRs, IBIS, ND filters and Battery life) - Canon color science (tho RED is on point too) - and of course the price. The thing is...I would love to buy the C500ll because of its image quality, not because it is cheaper...Can’t wait to see some test footages of the IBIS, Slowmo and Low light capabilities. Next time, how about some downloadable 5.9K C-Log RAW samples please guys ? Thank you for that first test 💯💪

[@colorsigma101]

Same as you Alexandre , i really want to like this camera, it's ready to shoot in Raw ! It's very light too ! Colors ! Cheap quality lenses ! I've just watched Sony FX9 footage and i'm not so impressed still i cant decide between the 3 ...

[@nicholasboule5134]

​@@colorsigma101 the fx9 is about $17,592 just to shoot external raw, yes its 16bit but damn thats expensive and requires you to use the 17in ATOMOS NEON recorder monitor which is $3,999 alone

[@VIPAH]

The thing is, Red will bring out the Komodo 6K sometime this year, and I also am contemplating whether to wait it out or buy the Canon C500 now or better yet, buy the Red Dragon X 6K...i'm not impressed with the Sony FX9 as it doesn't even shoot 6k out of the box, and Sony WILL charge you for a firmware upgrade to shoot in 6K! Rip!

[@sixsoxsex1]

I'm not impressed by c500 mk2 it same to be more a videocamera than a cinema camera as is c200...Alexa doesn't loose colors.

[@carlosq00]

I'm impressed at how much you were able to get done with your setups in that amount of time. I don't believe I could have moved that fast shooting on my RED.

[@CVPTV]

It was a pretty rushed day! I wish we had more time!! Jake

[@definitionxmk]

Couldn't decide between this or the FX9... so I just bought both lol. Hopefully the rental market does well for me. I really wanted to just stick with the C500mk2 but after seeing the footage out of the FX9, I was blown away. Not saying the C500mk2 is a slouch, I'm just saying that I was super impressed with the FX9.

[@allena3430]

Do you have sample video from your FX9? Id like to see some!

[@steve_seguin]

I'm pretty fascinated by the world of Canon C500/C200 users. I'm trying to understand it all better. I work for a small tech company that creates software for amateur live streamers; Facebook, KZbin, etc. While you can go pretty far with our iPhone app version these days, many still prefer to use the desktop software version with just a webcam -- Logitech C920 is pretty classic there. For me though, I feel pretty advanced using HDMI capture from a mirrorless camera -- 1080p video is enough to saturate the upload bandwidth of most users. Considering the live nature of this type of content, post processing and LOG profiles offer very little benefit. While I can implement real-time color correction, it comes off as just experimental. After KZbin/Facebook gets ahold of the video, adding compression, the shadows and highlight details I thought I captured are largely lost. I picked up a GH5s, for its low light performance and affordable lens options, and I use that for my live streaming videos -- the small sensor and decent low light lets me get up pretty close to a subject, while still managing to keep multiple talking heads in focus. Line-in audio works too, and it has timecode sync if needed, but usually those features are not needed. Where I generally struggle with, lets say MFT cameras, is autofocus. Cinematic cameras, like the Pocket 4K, don't even have auto focus really though, so it doesn't seem to matter always. People who are trying to do live streaming generally want to keep things simple; fewer people and less setup the better I'd say. Often, like myself, I do it all alone. Perhaps using a phone-based app to make adjusts in real-time via the live view MJPG stream. There are still some mirrorless cameras for under $1000 that offer phase-detect autofocus and HDMI out; they also have IBIS and weigh just a pound or two. The justification need to jump up to something like a C500 blows my mind. If you really do have an eye and a professional need for the very best image quality, I get it, but doesn't all that weight and rigging wear the camera operator down? Another justification I heard is that appearances matter; when doing a video shoot, looking expensive and impressive is more important than just getting the job done. I've seen iPhone footage pop up in music videos because the camera operator just needed to take a break from lifting the heavier beast, and no one would have known if he didn't point it out. Regarding cinematic look, I get that too I guess, but it does seem like you can do a lot in software these days to get that cinematic look without expensive gear. You might not be able to shoot a cinematic blockbuster with an iPhone, but how long will it be before you can? Anyways, this ramble was me just explaining how naive I feel; does a live video stream for example, even if for commericial purposes, need something like a C500? Or will a $500 DSLR do?

[@stefanmodigh7897]

I think it all comes down to your workflow. Some ppl maybe have alot more time to fiddle with their gear and have a prod team compared someone doing it alone. If I would do livestreams as my daily work, I would probably get a dedicated film camera just so I dont have to worry about overheating and have all those features like built in like nd filters, sdi inputs ect. Its a hard question but I guess it all comes down to personal preferences and what type of work you do.

[@ClaireMcHardy]

A bit worried about the green box in that colour chart.

[@danielbrockett9544]

CVP, in your opinion, is this test footage any different than what you would have captured with the C200 Cinema RAW Light?

[@tomistenqvist1311]

Wow those skin colors are truly next level.

[@CVPTV]

They are pretty damn nice! Jake

[@bharathkishanbengaluru3710]

I mad seeing this color image... Fuck the arri / imax ... It's seems like true 65 mm camera using high-end Kodak reel.... Oh my god ... Christopher Nolan and Michael bay use this camera to u r film....

[@diminishedreturn]

I love when people look at a few fast clips from a camera, shot on an overcast day with a Rec. 709 LUT and then feel it doesn't look "cinematic".... Maybe 'KZbin University-film major' isn't all it's cracked up to be, after all?

[@laddiemusic]

I don't know what they are thinking, haha, I think it looks phenominal, i'm really excited and will be switching to this from my Arri amira, my instincts from this test is that skin tone is quite close to my Arri, but form factor and modern features like auto focus, size, weight, resolution will be a welcome upgrade in a way. I will always miss my arri, but this is great news to me.

[@chronokoks]

@@laddiemusic if you're switching to this from Amira you must be out of your mind.. sure it has some more modern bell and whistles but the picture out of this thing is atrocious! Plus banding issues with contrasty scenes and etc.. it's the same ugly sensor as the C700.. nobody uses it and colorists hate it!

[@legitimatejones]

@@chronokoks lol kindly name one colorist that do hate it … and before you answer , think careful cuz I do work for company 3 and every pro colorist in the world knows a camera is nothing but the sensor is what gathers the data … with that said , any colorist worth his grain of salt can turn any footage 10-but and up into something decent .

[@chronokoks]

@@legitimatejones nothing but the sensor... suuuuuure. The sensor dictates the colors, colorists only adjust them by shifting the color space which still keeps almost all of the original information from the sensor - a pitch shifted song is still the same song. You would need to perform specific destructive changes which erase original sensor data. Soon colorists will be crushed by AI recolorizations. Not the silly shit like colourlab by dumb Dado. But real AI specifically recoloring by what content it sees in every single frame. Only then we can say "it's only sensor"

[@legitimatejones]

@@chronokoks lol … colourlab ?? The fact that you’re even talking about softwares like colourlab tells me a lot … as I said you can make an sensor look like any sensor …. The data’s collected by said censors is the only thing that matters not some softwares … my name is taylre jones by the way …. Been working for company 3 for a long while and a veteran at this …some day after more knowledge you’ll remember this day and smile realizing I was correct … but hey wish you the best …

[@elitefamilyparkour]

Looking forward to see this camera in the hands of talented filmmakers to see its full potential, specs look promissing.

[@PraveshVyas]

Wish to see a comparison video with RED Dragon X 6K Searched everywhere but haven’t found any specific. I’m sure you can help.

[@DiegoDiSalvo]

Great video and so many infos. Thanks

[@CVPTV]

Thank you!! Jake

[@mondobytes]

Gorgeous! 😍

[@CVPTV]

I'm impressed with what I've seen so far! Can't wait to shoot a more in depth review with it. Are you planning on getting hold of one soon? Jake

[@mondobytes]

CVP I've reached out to Canon and trying to get some hands on. Regardless, I've ordered mine but December couldn't come fast enough. Maybe I'll come visit you guys since you have all the cool gear 😉

[@CVPTV]

Fingers crossed they can get one over to you! and awesome, I don't think you'll be disappointed! And if you're ever in the UK let us know 😉

[@mondobytes]

CVP absolutely, what's the best way to reach out to you guys?

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

It might be too early to make this call, but from the little footage I have seen to date, it appears that with the release of the new Sony FX9, Canon are now playing second fiddle to Sony in the color science department. The new FX9's S-Cinetone profile yields better skin-tones, and overall more pleasing colors.

[@DaCarnival]

That is just completely, ridiculously premature - you've seen a tiny bit of rushed footage, shot by people unaccustomed to either camera, and neither camera has an established post-workflow. Wait for some god damn reviews, at least.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

@@DaCarnival As I said, "it might be too early to make a call". But this sensor in the C500 Mark II is not new. It's the same sensor as the one in the C700 FF. I have concerns about that. As the C700 FF's sensor exhibits color banding issues and there has been no clarification as to if this problem has been addressed in the C500 Mk II.

[@chronokoks]

@@DaCarnival if you've got a trained eye you can spot the picture characteristics from a single clip.. and it's not good in this case.. it looks exactly the same bad way as the C700 atrocious sensor looks like...

[@misterdeity]

We are truly at the point of diminishing returns. It reminds me of Adobe publishing software ten or fifteen years ago. The new features were no longer enough to warrant the upgrade (which is probably why they switched to a subscription model). I don’t see anything in this image that would get me to sell my five year old FS7 with my PL speedbooster, ProRes RAW, and CP2s. Same with the FX9. But I did add a Pocket 4K and will probably buy a Pocket 6K too. And almost no one will be able to tell the difference between that image and an image made by a camera costing 10, 20, 30 times more. Other than the pixel peeping camera nerds (of which I count myself).

[@laddiemusic]

Facial tones IMO are superior to sony and black magic by a good amount, I tried to black magic, rented the FS7, A7R3, i'm a current Arri amira owner... this c500 to my eyes is the golden ticket for me, it's a great balance of brilliant face tones, auto focus mastery, small, lightweight and great audio options and can be used with a Ronin S or built out to a cinema setup quite easily. I think this is camera will sell very well.

@@laddiemusic I agree

[@orangerecords_studio]

Hi , sir .think Ur the ringt one to ask :) I have shoot with sony a7sII some years, and have also 2 lenses for it. I want to shoot film, starting this summer .and need to upgrade. I was also thinkibng of the S1H Panasonic. I can not see tha the imgase from that cam is any of less quality, comapred to fx9 and 500 mkII . I really can not see tha fx9 have a lot better images than my a7sII, either, in fact. what would U buy in my place ?

[@ianzhao5693]

How do you compare the C500 mk ii vs Red Komodo in terms of image quality? Thanks

[@PatMcGowansChannel]

Good introductory video! Everything looks positive except the noise in higher ISO ranges. That’s unfortunate. Having owned C300s, C500s and C300 MKii cams I’ll probably dive in just because I love the colour science and form factor of Canon C series cams.

[@CVPTV]

Thanks! The ISO performance didn't blow me away but it's not bad by any means! This is probably the best Canon C Series camera ever made so I'm sure you won't be disappointed! Jake

[@stephanes.]

Now that the Sony FX-9 is here...

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

what's up with that green square in the ISO tests? I've not noticed that difference in noise in any other camera test before. is it normal? thought blue was the noisiest colour channel. does this rule the camera out when using it for green screen? not like I'm ever going to be able to afford it but that amount of dancing noise was quite incredible.

[@filmwiesel]

This #green-noise is really strange - way to strong, also at base ISO! RAW is naturally more noisy but with this footage of plants will be "interesting".

[@jonatanifj]

With what and how did you shoot your interview? it looks tech sharp.

[@CaseyPreston]

I see the 50mm Sumire has the same CA as Canon's other 50mm. I'm assuming all of the footage is in CRL for this video? I would be interested in seeing if the C500 II can compensate for the CA and high iso noise when shooting XF-AVC.

[@CVPTV]

Yes everything is CRL. Wide open the abbe rations are crazy with the Sumire. I doubt XF-AVC would make much difference on the CA front but yeah some noise reduction wouldn't go a miss! I didn't apply any to any of these clips. Jake

[@bharathkishanbengaluru3710]

Make more tests man...

[@AR_FILMS76]

prodotto molto valido, anche se la polita prezzi di canon non è molto comprensibile, ma questa camera finalmente fa tornare Canon a livelli alti, mandamene una la voglio provare.

[@CVPTV]

It's better priced than some of Canon's other releases! If your ever in London and want to check one out swing by our showroom once ours arrives!! Jake

[@AR_FILMS76]

@@CVPTV Thank you. I will be at IBC 2019. I am your client and I am already in contact with you for some things and future collaboration on my part in ITALY. ;-)

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

I thought the Atlas anamorphic lens was meant for Super 35 sensor and you need a add-on lens to make it compatible with large format sensors. Is the sensor much smaller than Arri large format sensor? I'm confused.

[@CoolhandLukeSkywalkr]

Cheapest, smallest of all the quality large format sensor cinema cameras. But I am waiting for Canon to release the 8k RF cinema cameras. If the first RF cinema camera is announced soon, sales for this model will be hobbled, even if their first RF model is only Super 35, it won't matter. We want the smaller from factor with the RF system.

[@williammcgough]

Given the larger sensor+higher resolution, not surprised to hear that the battery life is less than the C200/300 in the 6K FF mode you were using. However, I would be curious to see how the battery life stacks up in the S35 crop mode, i.e. C200 CRM DCI4K vs C500 ii CRM DCI4K runtimes.

[@JitDawgBruhDang]

What are you filming the CVP episodes with? I assume a canon but I could be wrong

[@CVPTV]

In our studio we have a Canon C200 (we use for piece to cameras)_, Red Gemini, A7III & Pocket 6K. Jake

[@heartshapedfilms]

Should of shot some stuff at the Bristol car shop as it's next door?

[@orangerecords_studio]

to me , its kind of a mystery, how the panasonic s1h, got better image, by far, ov er both the canon and sony fx9........and by the way, all the other in this range .

[@TomasVillegas]

Is the monitor easier to view outside?

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

Tomas Villegas I wanna know this as well. Also if it will go on the c200

[@bharathkishanbengaluru3710]

Hi cvp very nice to showing beautiful system... I have a question .. I'm watching u r cvp show , all cameras and lenses what u shown until now. Question is is red monstrous Sony Venice and canon C500 ii . Which looks image quality better... Because I saw this video .. it shown to me like imax 65 mm image quality ...

[@bretkalmbach3331]

Is there a 48p frame rate option?

[@Nordicus0114]

the skin tones look nice so far

[@johnclay7644]

thanks CVP

[@Grug86]

When using the anamorphic mode, does the camera desqueeze and only crop the sides of the image (i.e. show you the full 20mm height of the sensor)? Or is it cropping in vertically as well (to a standard 18mm high 4-perf anamorphic frame)?

[@danjardinevideo]

export settings for youtube ?

[@taylorscottmason3058]

When shooting in Anamorphic mode, are you limited to shooting CRM or can you shoot full frame with desqueeze in XF-AVC codec?

[@micahjamesfilms]

@7:53 is that the BPM causing fringing/chromatic aberration or just the lens not holding up to the large FF sensor?

[@CVPTV]

No this is from the Canon Sumire lenses. Jake

[@ibcshowamsterdam7131]

Great video thanks

[@Ben-id1tc]

Hey guys, is there a way to power the camera using vmount batteries without needing to purchase that extension unit? I know the c200 and c300 mark ii had a plethora of third party battery plates that could so I was wondering if those work with this camera.

[@ChannelWright]

Good solid work- thank you!

[@huntergarner300]

So that looks like the 40mm orion covers on FF anamorphic mode without the Orion extender adapter ? good news if so

[@warrenkommers]

That's not what I'm seeing here.

[@maxmalmberg4755]

Im so hype for the xeen cf. Wats the Come at the price?

[@CVPTV]

They are just Xeen's rehoused. What are you asking for pricing the Xeen or C500?

[@maxmalmberg4755]

CVP the New xeen cf

[@alexraaen]

@@maxmalmberg4755 $2495 each

[@brmoogma]

check out NISI primes....same price range, very nice lenses

[@darlingtonjonesimagery9247]

Okay what's the matte box for?

They put a BPM filter in

[@Gleebi]

Im still not sure why they didn't include 12bit 444 HD or 4K options rather than using raw light... The c300 mkii 12bit 444 looks amazing.... But not in this 😐

[@CVPTV]

Yeah I agree it would have been nice to have this but I think Canon will include these features for if they ever release a C300III. But we will see!

[@Gleebi]

@@CVPTV having this just released in not sure the mkiii will be anytime soon. I guess not including the 12bit HD 444 was to protect the c300 mkii....even if they released a new c300 mkii with xlr into the body with removable EVF I'd buy 3

[@Fortespyproductions]

or maybe we'll get that via external recording or through an update... The canon camera used during the Apple 6k monitor launch was an 8k canon camera... I expected this to have 8k

[@Fludded]

You have a matt box on there and a filter... no mention of it in the description. Whats the full rig please?

[@CVPTV]

Canon 50mm Sumire, Arri MMB-2 clamped on, Tiffen Black Pro Mist & Schneider Circular Polarizer, Teradek LT 500 & Nucleus M Motor. Jake

[@simongentry]

would you consider the c500 mkii over a red helium?

[@cyberacers]

nahh..

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

Do you know if this cameras lcd will be usable on the canon c200?

[@CVPTV]

Yes it will! Jake

[@EverythingFilmmaking]

@@CVPTV Great..Is it brighter with better resolution compared to the c200?

[@bretkalmbach3331]

Is the v mount plate interchangeable?

[@thailandsoul1196]

the song fx9 checks a lot of boxes for me vs the 500 - but i particular the “s” mode (skin mode) on the Sony is the game changer. canon please make an arri like skin mode.

[@ryanpeglegpictures]

Canon does have an Arri setting in the color matix, its called production camera. just turn off the presets and set up for which ever log you like, set the gamma to cinema, and matix to production camera. Expose a little bit over center and you can apply Arri Luts all day

[@xiaoyangjin2655]

I would say the Only thing I am disappoint about this camera is the "image quality" . this is why I stick with arri Alexa all the time. Canon has stop making major progress around sensor technology and it used to be one of the best in the industry. At 2019 this sensor is really ordinary on par with anything in this price range. the sensor just a full frame c200 for me... I would rather using s35 Alexa cmos.

[@SanDraaitDoor]

Yes! Compare a 15000 with a 40000++ dollar camera, way to go!

[@xiaoyangjin2655]

@@SanDraaitDoor honestly... in my contry, Arri amira is only 100 dollars per day to rent...I just don't care about the real price about the camera. cuz I rent everything except lens ( which I own) . so in my real working situation. I don' really compare the price of the camera but more concern about the usability.

[@Nordicus0114]

how does the image quality look bad to you?

[@xiaoyangjin2655]

@@Nordicus0114 the image quality is not bad, just not as good as Alexa / red monstro. first and easy is high-light roll of, clearly Arri has much better highlight at least one stop more. second is how the skin tone rendering in a worst condition(street lampl, very saturated color light) which I also prefer the Alexa color. last is the 709look from canon is trick and not very good looking all the time

[@SanDraaitDoor]

xiaoyang jin how can you know all this? Did you shoot with it? If canon is good at one thing it is colour science. I think this is a whole lot of bs

[@JimKinkade]

Can you vlog with it?

[@cvaldeavellano5634]

FX9 ????

[@thedeliveryman2064]

What a silly decision that now BP-A30 doesn´t fit plain to the body like on the c200 anymore...stupid.

[@WoodyMellow77]

No many are going to be using BPA30s with this camera anyway,. I'd imagine. Its ships with a 60 and thats what's recommended for any sort of decent operating time.

[@rybug15]

Image quality looks great but, there's always something about Canon's sensors that make it look video-ish.

[@kylec5569]

.....noooo. Sony is the videoish looking ones.

[@kylec5569]

oh wait we are shooting video.

[@nicholasboule5134]

Well to bad for Sony's new 6k....Whoops I mean 4k camera. c500mk2 is the FX9 killer.

[@user-yx4wx4oq4g]

the fx9 does 4000 iso native...

[@jaegermah]

I've thought about this for hours / days / weeks and I've come to the conclusion that they used the Canon EOS R to capture this. You can't tell me this is the only C500 Mark II test footage on KZbin.

[@CVPTV]

You can see me shooting with the camera in the video?

[@jaegermah]

CVP Yes I did. Thanks for posting. But I’m still perplexed by the sensor shakiness / image stabilization. I also find it hard to believe Canon would allow you to post this quality of footage, being that this will be one of their flagship cameras.

[@jaegermah]

Not saying your test footage is horrible, it just doesn’t do the camera any justice as I’ve captured similar footage on my DSLR. However, your interview portion is shot very well, and appreciate your efforts to highlight the camera.

[@CVPTV]

@@jaegermah There was no IS because we shot in CRM which doesn't have IBIS. The footage was shot in natural light only, with Canon Sumire lenses, we had a crew of 3 to do everything needed during the day, the whole video was shot in less than a day and Canon signed it off themselves. I think we did a good job considering the limitations!

[@CVPTV]

@@jaegermah Check out this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWW3oqJ4d9uXnZY

[@nguyenconghoa100]

15.000 usd

[@andric72]

120fps in 2k.! come on!!

[@CVPTV]

Only had the camera for a short period of time so didn't get a chance to shoot any :( I will make sure there is some slow-motion stuff in the full review! Jake

[@MrlegendOr]

Sorry but yellowish skin tone isn't natural or accurate

[@hiskishow]

All the Netflix requirement stuff is horse shit. If you have a good show and something they want they will not care about pixels that much. Loads of shows are shot on arris with the 3.2k. loads of docs are shot on dslr. It does not matter.

[@_jforreal]

Hiski Hämäläinen The Netflix 4K requirement is for shows they produce. You’re right though, shows they purchase don’t have to be 4K.

[@TRIPSTTR]

Not really impressed with the footage

[@darlingtonjonesimagery9247]

Agreed

[@brmoogma]

it seems it was a rainy day with cloudy sky....

[@michaelpierce979]

Not impressed at all with this image. Just me

[@nicholassaephanh4407]

I think the color grade is standard, stabilization is bad, and lack of flow in the broll made it very lackluster. Makes it feel like a basic KZbin broll sequence.

[@jaegermah]

My Sony A7RIII and Xhiyun Crane could have captured better than this... I know the camera can perform a lot better when given the right time / expertise.. but this test footage makes me want to stick with a $8,000 set-up.

[@chrisr1241]

Honestly the look is very uncinematic...

[@chrisr1241]

It’s all about colours and motion rendering. I don’t want to bother anyone it’s just my opinion. I simply expected more and used an Alexa many times with the hoped this one could catch up. I know in post you can let nearly any camera looks cinematic but why should you go this way when ARRI shows it is possible in camera. I don’t need all that full frame 6k/8k stuff. A perfect 4K or even hd is more important for me....

[@vpr5562]

Canon, time for 4k$ c200 with no evf!